Now that southern Kentucky store’s owners are in trouble and the machines are gone after police in Whitley County say there had been trouble at the store for months.

Police believe they’ve cracked illegal gambling in southern Kentucky.

Police say they received lots of complaints about illegal activity inside a Woodbine store.

Sheriff Colan Harrell said the operation was hidden, “It was in the back of the store indicating they knew they were in the wrong.”

Nine gambling machines were found and more than $370 in cash was confiscated. Police say they sent one of their in own to investigate undercover.

“Deputy made a buy and incidentally he was cheated on the payout,” Sheriff Harrell said.

The store’s owners, relatives, and employees were among the 4 charged. Two were taken to jail two others were cited to go to court.

Afraid to show their faces on camera, a lot of people told WYMT’s Phil Pendleton they’re not the least bit surprised that police finally raided this store. They said they’ve known about this activity for quite some time.

Those arrested were charged with either promoting gambling or conspiracy to promote gambling.

Police say the investigation is far from over and more arrests are expected.

We spoke to a clerk inside the store who said they did not want to talk about the allegations.

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